Tributes paid to first captain of speedway team

September 13, 2006

Updated: Monday, June 7, 2010 (09:48)

TRIBUTES: Andy Ross, in his Peterborough Panthers days

TRIBUTES have been paid to a successful businessman and former speedway rider killed in a shooting accident in Scotland. Andy Ross, 66, died on a duck hunt when the shotgun he was using went off accidentally and he was hit in the head. Mr Ross, originally

TRIBUTES have been paid to a successful businessman and former speedway rider killed in a shooting accident in Scotland.

Andy Ross, 66, died on a duck hunt when the shotgun he was using went off accidentally and he was hit in the head.

Mr Ross, originally from Folksworth, was the first ever captain of Peterborough Panthers Speedway Club in 1970. A minute's silence was held in his honour at last Thursday's race meeting. The club has also opened books of condolence for their former star.

Mr Ross, who lived on Buckworth Road in Alconbury Weston, is thought to have mistakenly fired the gun when he propped it between his feet to search through his pockets.

The incident happened on Saturday, September 2, on Mormund Hill, near Aberdeen, and Grampian Police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

Mr Ross was an accomplished speedway rider, and former team-mates, including current Panthers manager Trevor Swales, were quick to pay tribute to him.

After retiring from speedway, Mr Ross formed a construction machinery company called Phennicus Ltd, which became known as Thornycroft in 1993, and is now run by his son, Andrew.

Mr Ross split his time between Alconbury Weston and Scotland, where he owned property, and a firm controlling the land where he died.

Friends and neighbours in Alconbury Weston reacted with shock to news of his death.

Brian Baker, owner of nearby Brickyard Farm, said: "Andy and Enid were a friendly couple and they'd lived on the farm for nearly 20 years.

"Andy used to throw fundraising events for asthma charities; he'd go round putting bottles of wine on tables then go back when they were opened and ask for £20.

"He could be quite abrupt at times but it was that which made him such a good businessman. He could also be very generous - such as the time he lent us a tractor when ours broke down.

"His wife and children are lovely people and all our thoughts are with them at this time."

Mr Ross leaves his wife of more than 40 years, Enid, son Andrew, daughter, Elspeth and five grandchildren.